Evan Evans Harry Potter Filming Locations in the Cotswolds

Nestled in the rolling hills and quaint villages lie some of the most iconic filming locations from the Harry Potter film series, including The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Half-Blood Prince, and, most recently, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

As you traverse the Cotswolds' magical setting, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight into the pages of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. Here are six popular real-life Harry Potter film locations in the Cotswolds, particularly Lacock and Gloucester.

Hogwarts Corridors – Lacock Abbey

The Harry Potter magic truly begins as you arrive in the charming village of Lacock. Immerse yourself in the real-life corridors of Hogwarts as you step inside Lacock Abbey, a historic masterpiece dating back to the 13th century. This abbey was the backdrop for numerous iconic scenes throughout the Harry Potter film series, making it a must-visit destination for fans.

Snape’s Potions Classroom – Lacock Abbey

As you wander through the halls of Lacock Abbey, discover the very room used as Snape’s Potions classroom, where the infamous Potions Master himself (Alan Rickman), spread his wisdom to young witches and wizards. Stand in the very spot where Harry, Hermione, and Ron once brewed potions under Snape’s watchful gaze.

Harry’s Parents Home – Lacock Village

Continue your journey with our expert guide as you visit the birthplace of Harry’s parents, James and Lily Potter. Gaze upon the charming cottages and winding streets that served as the backdrop for Harry’s fateful encounter with Voldemort on that tragic Halloween night.

During a scene in The Philosopher’s Stone, Hagrid and Harry are sitting in The Leaky Cauldron. Hagrid explains to Harry what happened to his parents, and we see a flashback scene involving Voldemort. He enters the house using magic and kills Harry’s parents, leaving baby Harry behind.

Horace Slughorn’s Hideaway – Lacock Village

But the magic doesn’t end there. Horace Slughorn’s Hideaway is a secret haven where the respected Potions Master retreated during his tenure at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As you stand before the building that housed Slughorn’s clandestine gatherings, relive the famous scenes from Harry Potter, and especially The Half-Blood Prince.

At the beginning of The Half-Blood Prince, we see Horace Slughorn hiding out in this house away from the Death Eaters, who have been trying to recruit him for over a year. He explains that the house belongs to Muggles who are on holiday, and he never stays anywhere for more than a week.

Mirror of Erised – Gloucester Cathedral

As you make your way to Gloucester, step inside the corridors of Gloucester Cathedral, a breathtaking masterpiece of medieval architecture, and discover the very location where Harry stumbled upon the mystical mirror that reveals one’s deepest desires. As you gaze into the mirror’s depths, you may just uncover secrets and aspirations you never knew existed.

In The Chamber of Secrets, Harry hears the Basilisk moving through the pipes in the cloisters, and the Chapter House at the abbey is where Harry discovers the Mirror of Erised.

“Enemies of the Heir BEWARE” – Gloucester Cathedral

But beware, for danger lurks around every corner. Make your way to the corridors of Gloucester Cathedral, where the ominous message “Enemies of the Heir BEWARE” once appeared in blood-red letters. Stand in the very spot where Harry and his friends encounter the mysterious Chamber of Secrets and embark on a journey fraught with peril and adventure.

Filming Locations At a Glance

Ready? Pack your bags, grab your wand, and follow our expert Potterhead for some serious wizarding expedition on our Harry Potter Film Locations of Lacock & The Cotswolds Small Group Tour. 

If you make your way to London after that, check out the popular Harry Potter Studio Tour, taking you straight to the Studios from Central London on our comfortable coaches.

After all, as Dumbledore once said, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” ― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.